Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University to Host Aerospace Day at Willow Run Airport – Aug. 16

Aug 8, 2024

YPSILANTI—For the fourth consecutive year, Eastern Michigan University and nonprofit partner STEM Flights are collaborating to inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals with Aerospace Day at Willow Run Airport. More than 50 local high school students will participate in the flight experience on Friday, August 16, starting at 10 a.m.

Aerospace Day allows students to explore the aviation and aerospace industries through flight experiences, career exploration, learning programs, simulators, and hands-on aerospace activities. The event has expanded from just 10 students in its first year to hosting over 50 participants in 2024.

"Students often lack aerospace career guidance in school, so we aimed to create an event that brings them to the airport to explore careers in aviation, aerospace, science, technology, engineering, and math within our community," said Paul Majeske, professor and director of the School of Technology and Professional Services Management and Visual and Built Environments at the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology.

Volunteer pilot mentors from STEM Flights will offer free flight experiences and mentoring for students interested in pursuing flight training or careers in aviation.

“Getting the students into the air and showing them their city, schools, and community can be a life-changing experience for young people,” said Carley Walker, director of Development for STEM Flights.

“We see this event continuing to grow and aim to support workforce development for aviation and aerospace in southeast Michigan. These students are the future engineers, designers, pilots, and mechanics that the industry desperately needs,” added Walker.

In addition to hands-on exploration, students will interact with various aerospace professionals including pilots, flight attendants, aircraft maintenance technicians, commercial airline staff members from military aircrew units such as local Civil Air Patrol members Air Force ROTC representatives other organizations ready answer questions inspire them.

This event is presented by sponsorships from Michigan Flight Museum (formerly Yankee Air Museum), Jacobsen Daniels EMU GameAbove College Engineering Technology Crosswinds Aviation Unifi Services Detroit Metro Airport.

For more information about EMU’s Aviation program visit program’s homepage learn more about STEM Flights mission visit website.

About GameAbove College Engineering Technology

The GameAbove College Engineering Technology provides world-class experiences engineering cybersecurity aviation construction management autonomous vehicles drone technology other areas study high-demand career fields It is college’s mission cultivate individuals' intellectual personal growth through research-informed education diverse programs emphasize practical application scientific knowledge For more information about college visit gameabove.emich.edu

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849 Eastern second oldest public university currently serves more than 13k students pursuing undergraduate graduate specialist doctoral certificate degrees arts sciences professions In all more than majors minors concentrations delivered through University's Colleges Arts Sciences Business Education Health Human Services its graduate school National publications regularly recognize EMU excellence diversity commitment applied education Visit rankings points pride websites learn more For more information visit University's website stay up date news activities announcements visit EMU Today

STEM Flights non-profit organization provides customized aviation education flight experiences facilitate learning Science Technology Engineering Math Our mission create positive experiences general aviation inspire America’s youth pursue STEM careers Learn more www.stemflights.org